From movements to political parties. The electoral crystallization of protest

The passage of social movements to political parties has been barely treated in the academic literature, but it meets a growing interest. In Spain, certain continuities between 15-M and the emergence of new parties can be observed. This article raised three ideas about the passage of social movements to political parties, which are presented in relation to subsequent articles in this section. First, the 15-M is far from being a clearly defined block, so its extension into representative politics cannot be treated in a unique way; it is necessary to identify different levels in which this extension takes place. Second, the relationship between three processes of change is analysed: the erosion of political support since 2008, the public's support for the 15-M demonstrations in 2011, and the emergence of new parties in 2014 and 2015. Finally, it is emphasized the importance of introducing the analysis of 'cross-sectionalism with different intensities' that occurs within public opinion in these three processes.